The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has revealed that the country’s aviation industry now contributes a staggering $1.7 billion to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), highlighting a major transformation driven by private sector investment and reform.
FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, made the disclosure on Friday at the launch of a new book, “100 Years of Civil Aviation in Nigeria”, authored by aviation journalist Mr. Wole Shadare, in Lagos.
Kuku described the milestone as a direct result of market-driven strategies and the involvement of private players in revamping Nigeria’s aviation space.
“Upon Nigeria’s attainment of independence in 1960, we were faced with a pivotal question: How could we convert colonial-era infrastructure into a sovereign aviation powerhouse?” she said.
She reflected on the challenges that plagued Nigeria Airways, the national carrier, citing mismanagement and inefficiencies that led to its eventual decline.
“By the early 2000s, we found ourselves at a crossroad – adapt or risk obsolescence,” she said. “This juncture precipitated a remarkable transformation. The private sector took the initiative, introducing fresh capital, contemporary management practices, and a competitive spirit.”
According to Kuku, private airlines such as Air Peace and Arik Air have not only stepped in to fill the vacuum but have revolutionised the nation’s aviation industry.
“The current figures sum up this transformation: 39 certified airline operators, 31 airports nationwide, over 2,100 licensed pilots, a workforce comprising thousands, ranging from engineers to air traffic controllers,” she noted.
“Nigeria has emerged as a testament to the efficacy of market-driven solutions. Our aviation sector now contributes approximately 1.7 billion dollars to our GDP. Private airlines are connecting our cities with unprecedented efficiency, and international carriers increasingly regard Nigeria as a critical market.”
The FAAN boss also provided insight into current passenger traffic, revealing that more than 16 million people passed through Nigeria’s domestic terminals, with international passenger traffic exceeding 3.5 million.
Despite the progress, Kuku acknowledged that the sector still faced significant hurdles, including infrastructure gaps, regulatory complexities, and funding needs.
“While challenges persist— infrastructure deficiencies; regulatory frameworks; and financing requirements—these should be perceived not as obstacles, but rather as opportunities,” she said.
“Each challenge facing our aviation sector represents a potential investment awaiting realisation. The forthcoming chapter of Nigerian aviation will be authored by those who recognise that our skies are not merely thoroughfares for aircraft, they are highways to prosperity.”
On the new book, “100 Years of Civil Aviation in Nigeria”, Kuku commended Mr. Shadare’s work, saying it provided both historical context and future outlook.
“The industry and commitment he has exhibited as a journalist are evident throughout this book that we all convened here to celebrate,” she said.
The event brought together stakeholders in the aviation industry, further reinforcing the growing recognition of Nigeria’s airspace as a vital driver of economic development.
